MTNL-BSNL merger facing road blocks

Kolkata, Sept 1: Union Communication Minister Shakeel Ahmed today said that MTNL-BSNL merger was facing some road blocks and a definite timeframe has not been decided.

Speaking on the sidelines of a programme where BSNL and DVC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, the minister said there were a number of issues that needed to be sorted out. However, he refused to say what those were.

He said a broad agreement had been reached by the union government that the merger would happen but 'when and how' are to be worked out.

''There are certain suggestions like floating a separate company after the merger, selling 5 per cent share of BSNL and delisting MTNL. But we are yet to decide which option we will choose,'' he explained.

To a question he said the Centre will start a new e-charge facility through land line for all the MTNL and BSNL mobile users.

The package will be offered within a month, he added.

UNI